Steam Drum Drying for Crease Removal and Water Supply Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry dryers fail to completely remove creases from clothes during the drying process, requiring additional ironing, and face challenges in effectively supplying water when a water supply device is connected.

Innovation Solution

A laundry machine design incorporating a drum, a substance supply device for moisture, a water supply device, and a valve unit that allows selective water supply, using steam generation to remove creases and efficiently manage water distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional drying is used, then drying speed is improved, but creases are not completely removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying speedVSAvoidcrease removal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing steam (changing the physical state of water) and controlling temperature and humidity parameters during the drying process. The steam generation unit generates steam that is supplied to the drum interior, transforming the drying environment from conventional hot air to a controlled steam atmosphere, which effectively removes creases while maintaining drying efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions by generating steam from water through heating. The steam generation unit converts liquid water into gaseous steam, which then condenses on the clothes during drying, providing moisture that helps remove creases. This phase transition mechanism enables effective crease removal without compromising drying speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Ease of operation

If water supply device is connected, then water supply capability is improved, but water supply control becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater supply capabilityVSAvoidwater supply control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing automatic water level detection and control. The water supply device includes a water level sensor that automatically detects when the water tank is full and stops water supply, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and complex control mechanisms. This self-regulating system simplifies operation while maintaining effective water supply capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback control through a water level sensor that continuously monitors the water level in the water tank and provides feedback to the control unit. When the water level reaches a predetermined level, the sensor signals the control unit to stop water supply, creating a closed-loop control system that manages water supply automatically without adding operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The machine effectively removes creases without ironing by spraying steam onto clothes and ensures efficient water supply when the water supply device is connected, enhancing drying efficiency and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a steam generation unit generating steam and supplying the generated steam into the drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change (water to steam): Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

a substance supply device provided in the cabinet and supplying moisture to the drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpray: Spray

Data Source

PatentUS8127576B2Laundry machine
Publication Date: 2012.03.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US8127576B2 patent drawing
  • US8127576B2 patent drawing
  • US8127576B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A laundry machine is disclosed. The disclosed laundry machine includes a drum rotatably provided in a cabinet, a substance supply device provided in the cabinet and supplying moisture to the drum, a water supply device supplying water to the substance supply device, and a valve unit provided in the water supply device, to selectively allow water from the water supply device to be supplied to the substance supply device.